Student Testimonials
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A decade ago, my parents had probably thought through what you or your parents are considering - learn better English. By placing myself in a foreign location, I needed a suitable institution where I could learn better English. This was a key factor to speaking better English and avoiding or lessening the effects of culture shocks. Why Austin and TIEP? I attended TIEP for 3 semesters during my first time living away from my parents. It was one of my most tremendous and memorable life experiences. TIEP provided me with a high standard of education, which has prepared me for further education in the States. I have obtained a bachelor's and a graduate school degree in the States; and, I am currently employed as an engineer in Los Angeles, CA. TIEP is situated in Austin which is rated as one of the safest places to live. TIEP is just located a couple blocks away from the main campus of the University of Texas at Austin. Not only could you utilize the resources that TIEP provides, but also you could access some facilities and some free activities that are offered to the public by the City of Austin and the University of Texas. Looking back at my 10 years of living experience in the States, I strongly appreciate what TIEP has provided to me and given me the practical experiences that have helped me achieve my American Dreams. If I could make it, I'm sure all of you could make it as well!! --Po Ju Yen from Taiwan, R.O.C. |
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Austin offers the opportunity to feel a good international atmosphere. People here are so affable and kind. They say Hi with a smile when you walk on the streets, and believe me when you are a foreign student, that expression comforts your soul and it relieves the loneliness that you might feel when you miss home. I have been in TIEP for two semesters and the experience has become one of the most important in my life. TIEP is undoubtedly, the best beginning to improve your knowledge not only in English but also in a cultural way. The extraordinary kindness of their staff and faculty transform the building into a place where feeling as a part of a family is their target, and they do it easily for each of us. As international students we do not only face a different country and language; we also live by ourselves, we have been through many personal changes and learned many new things, we have all matured in so many ways. Due to the exceptional qualities of the faculty, by their side we find it easier to walk through this path. They show us that challenges can be faced. We are initiating a new stage in our lives, and we should do it with hope and courage. Of course, what would it be for us without friends? Instead of saying how wonderful the multiculturalism that we could find at TIEP is, I just want everyone to think about the person you trust the most in this school. I just want to prove that we didn’t see differences between nationalities. We see friends, and my hope is that you will be able to make lifelong companions as I hope I did here. Now I know I’m a better person because of you, because the experience I got when I met you, but mainly because now you are part of my life. Thank you very much for these great memories and for teaching me that in spite of the troubles, I can find people like you with whom I can sing, Don’t worry, Be happy.
From the heart Thank you TIEP for teaching me that the knowledge is also beyond the school.
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I think the best decision for learning English is taking classes in TIEP. The teachers are wonderful, kind, and helpful. Before my English class I couldn't understand English very well. Now I'm improving my English every day. I can go out without fear. Understanding is the most important thing. With that I can use everything I have learned in my classes. I hope to learn more and more English because I need it for everything I want to do. TIEP is the best choice! |
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I'm so glad that I made the right decision choosing TIEP. First of all, I found there enthusiastic and excellent teachers, who have a lot of experience. In addition to their support in class, I could learn a lot by frequenting the skills center and the computer lab, and also by joining a conversation club group. And my TOEFL score. Wow, I couldn't believe it. After one semester in level 138 and half a semester in 158, my TOEFL score was 633! I'm positive that TIEP is one of the BEST schools for ESL in America! Second of all, TIEP is located within walking distance of the University of Texas and its facilities, student dormitories and public transportation, which made things easier to me to enjoy life in Austin. Finally, I feel glad to have met there such nice people from different countries and made a lot of friends.
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I have had a lot of new experiences in Austin. First of all, this is my first time to live with an American family and speak English all the time. Before I came to TIEP, I hadn't studied at an English school. Second, I experienced holidays of the United States, for example, Halloween, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Third, I attended the South by Southwest Music and Film Festival in Austin. In my memory Austin is a wonderful place. I am glad to come here and happy to meet all of my friends in TIEP. |
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I have been here for two months and have been living with an American family for one month. They are so wonderful. They have taken me sailing on Lake Austin and have taken me to a Willie Nelson concert. I enjoyed these Austin activities very much. Before I came here I hadn't studied English since graduating from junior college, but now I study and practice English all the time. In Okinawa we had a chance to talk with American people, but I have never talked in English with people from other countries. I had been dreaming about going to the United States since junior high school. Now my dream has come true. English is a valuable language for me to make friends from all over the world and to live my life fully. |
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First of all, I congratulate all the staff because they did a very good job. The first day I was confused, and I didn't understand anything. You helped me to figure out many things. I know now that my English is good, and I improved it a lot. I advise all other students who want to improve their English to come to TIEP because it is very exciting. It's very interesting because you find many nationalities and can add to your general culture. Austin is a very nice place to live, and I plan to come back to Austin one day. |
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The most important thing I think I learned in TIEP was to have confidence in my English speaking abilities. Before coming to Austin, I had not practiced my English in years, so I was worried that people would not understand me or just ignore me. After being a couple of weeks in TIEP, I started to gain trust in myself again and could have long conversations with English speakers very easily. I also learned some important writing and research techniques that have helped me in my transition from ESL to an American university. I had the intention of attending The University of Texas at Austin when I first arrived, but I wasn't confident in my writing or speaking abilities in English. It's been 2 years since TIEP and I couldn't be better. I got accepted into the University and I am now majoring in Biomedical Engineering. I also have a job at the University's gym, I'm a volunteer at a local hospital and I am a member of the Silver Spurs, a spirit organization that takes care of the University's mascot Bevo. Definitely the people you meet at TIEP are the ones that make this whole experience great. I am from Mexico and never in my wildest dreams would I have thought of meeting people from all over the world. I met people from Korea, Japan, Morocco, Taiwan, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Brazil, Colombia, etc. Looking back and thinking of all the good times I had at TIEP gives me goose bumps. I will always have those memories in my heart. My father came to TIEP to learn English. He now has a masters and a Ph.D. from an American university. I studied English at TIEP, and I am now studying in a great university here in the USA. There is no doubt in my mind when I say that TIEP is the BEST English program there is in the world. Here you will learn so much and make long lasting friendships. At this moment I think I'm the happiest guy alive, and I owe it in part to TIEP and their wonderful staff. --Fernando Cordova from Mexico
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One of the most important things I learned at TIEP is that with hard work comes appreciation of the things you earn. The time I spent at TIEP has made me a better organized person both professionally and personally. I have enjoyed getting to make new friends from around the world and learning more about other cultures. Do not hesitate to come to TIEP. It is educational and fun. |
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To visit America, especially Texas, had been my big dream sincemy childhood and I had heard that Austin is one of the most beautiful and comfortable cities in the United States. Seeing is believing. Austin is so nice that I really wanted to live there. I was lucky that I chose TIEP. It was really joyful days for me to study English for about four months. You taught us living English not only energetically but also interestingly. I was able to know pleasure to communicate in English. Thank you very much. I wish I could have studied at TIEP much longer. I believe that what I learned and experienced while I was in Austin will be energy in my future life. |
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When I arrived in Austin, and specifically at TIEP, I felt comfortable because of the kindness of people. All of them are friendly and wonderful. I could feel it. The teachers at TIEP, all of them, are excellent. One of the most important things I have learned at TIEP is to speak without being afraid. I have also learned to be consistent in my studies and to ask a lot of questions. In addition, I have learned a lot more vocabulary and how to improve my writing. Now I know more about American culture and how to make friends with different kinds of people from different cultures. |
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I studied English at the Texas Intensive English Program for four months. First, when I decided to study abroad, in all honesty, I was very afraid and nervous because I hadn't studied English since high school, and I didn't like it then. Also I had never been overseas for a long stay. But I needed English in my job, and I thought it was a very important thing for my future. Also, I wanted to change my mind about English and broaden my horizons. I went to the United States with the intention of making a desperate effort to learn English. Next I got a good education at TIEP. It has many good teachers and a good educational teaching style. Their teaching style is different from Japanese style. At first I was confused, and I couldn't understand. But they taught me very carefully. I liked their classes and their teaching style. Finally, I could make many new friends. They are of many nationalities. We talked about our own countries, so I learned about the culture of many countries. In conclusion, for four months I made an effort to learn English. I think it was a great experience for me to see American culture and find the importance of communication in English. My English isn't perfect yet, but I have learned to enjoy studying English and plan to continue learning more so I can use it in my job. Now I would like to thank my teachers and my friends. I am most grateful to you!
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T.I.E.P. means This Is an Excellent Program. |
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The semester is about to finish in a few days. I am really glad that I made the decision to come here and study. I have learned so much and have had a great time with everybody. As an English teacher, I had never lived in any English speaking countries before. Living here gives me a brand new perspective of America and American culture, and I can't tell you how much I'll benefit from it. I think the experience not only has broadened my vision, but also enriched my life. Actually, besides language, I did pick up a bunch of teaching skills from my class. Now I can't wait to tell my friends how worthwhile it has been to study at TIEP.
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I'm from Honduras in Central America. I was a student at the Texas Intensive English Program in the business program. This was a great opportunity for me to meet people in the business field from around the world and Austin. I learned cultural aspects of doing business around the world as well as in the United States. In Austin I could meet friendly native American speakers of English. Austin is a safe city that you can walk around at most hours. The landscape of Austin is very green and the parks are found everywhere. I am hoping to come back to Austin to continue my studies.
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Learning a new language in a foreign country is a wonderful experience, especially if you choose a cool city like Austin to live in. Choosing a good school to fulfill your necessities is also very important. Studying at TIEP is very interesting for several reasons. First, it is located in central Austin, so you get public transportation easily. The teachers are well prepared; they have a lot of experience, and they are always ready to deal with different kinds of students. In addition, you may meet nice people who come from different countries, and make good friends. Finally, TIEP offers both a computer lab and a skills center where the students can spend the afternoon either studying or using the Internet. I recommend you come to Austin to enjoy this outstanding city, and if you want to study English, I suggest TIEP to you because it is really a very good school.
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In class I had an opportunity to make friends from foreign countries. Before I met them, I didn't know about their countries and their culture. It is most important learning about various cultures, especially American culture. Many Koreans study English for a long time in their school day. But most of them are very afraid of speaking with Americans. They are afraid of making a mistake. But at TIEP I could get self confidence. Of course, I still make mistakes, but I'm not afraid anymore. I learned "Don't be shy." I'm not native, but I can speak English to make myself understood.
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I am a Japanese girl who took your business class for two semesters from January to August. Let me tell you my latest situation. Fortunately, I got a job. My dream's come true. Now I'm working for an American company in Japan as an administrative assistant. I have much chance to speak and use English which I learned at TIEP. I am really happy with my job. It's so challenging and wonderful. I think my experience at TIEP was really good. I appreciate my teachers and classmates. Thank you so much!
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Unfortunately my English class is finished and I feel sad because I'll miss many things like new friends, teachers, and school. But I'm so happy because I learned many things: grammar,vocabulary, idioms, etc. I like this city and the people who live here. All these moments I'll never forget! |
